Bapu’s Visit to Shree Vitthal Mandir, Wadala on the occasion of Aashadhi Ekadashi

On 19th July 2013, the very auspicious day of Aashadhi Ekadashi, Sadguru Bapu and Nandai performed Maha Abhishek (consecration) and poojan of Shree Vitthal and Rakhumai at Vitthal Mandir of Wadala, a temple which is said to be almost 397 years old. This temple is also popularly known as Prati-Pandharpur. Bapu and Nandai were specially invited by the temple authorities on this auspicious day to grace the occasion and make it more pious.

Bapu and Nandai started from their residence for the Maha Abhishek by worshipping Mothi Aai. The Maha-abhishek was to start at 4:00 am, but even at such an early hour, Bapu reached well before the scheduled time. Bapu was warmly welcomed by Shri. Shashikant G. Naik, the President of the Temple Trust, Shri. Uday S. Dighe the Treasurer of the Trust and Shri. Prashant A. Mhatre, the Secretary of the Trust.

After a brief meeting with the temple authorities, Bapu proceeded for poojan of Shree Vitthal and Rakhumai, the most loved, adored and worshipped deities of the millions. Bapu and Nandai performed Maha Abhishek on Shree Vitthal and Rakhumai. After performing the poojan, Bapu honoured the request of the temple authorities to address the devotees who longed to see and hear Bapu and who were waiting so very much eagerly.

During his address Bapu spoke about the importance of bhakti and the manner in which a common man could do it in the simplest possible way. He also talked about the significance and history of the temple about which hardly anyone was aware. He mentioned that the idol of Shree Vitthal was actually brought here by Sant Tukaram himself. Bapu also mentioned not to treat the deities here as mere idols but to believe that they are Shree Vitthal and Rakhumai themselves.

Becoming nostalgic, Bapu explained his deep and age-old relation with this temple. Bapu’s great-grandmother and grandmother first brought Bapu to this temple when he was just 7 years old. It was here again that he was first called by the name ‘Bapu’ by his great-grandmother.

At the end of his address, the temple authorities honoured Bapu by presenting him with a memento and a shawl. Finally, Bapu and Nandai proceeded to perform aarti of Shree Vitthal and Rakhumai.

Bapu’s visit made all the temple authorities feel blessed and in unison they agreed that the entire event was carried out in the most pious, yet organized manner in the presence of Bapu.